Station Manager Clive Priestley, who was at the scene. said: “Crews worked incredibly hard to bring this fire under control. There’s no doubt that their efforts, and the fact that sprinklers were fitted, combined to stop the fire from spreading further and effectively saved the building and thousands of pounds worth of stock inside.”

The cause of the fire, which was under control by about 4pm, is being investigated. No injuries were reported.

About 500 children were evacuated from nearby Alfred Salter primary school as a precaution.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while the road was closed between Redriff Road and Needleman Street.